TV, modelling, now FFA Cup run for ex Owl Owusu
Lloyd Owusu is still raising the roof with the former A-League striker – and would-be TV star - spearheading his amateur club from Bondi and their improbable shot at glory in Australia’s new FFA Cup.
The 37-year-old former Adelaide United and Sheffield Wednesday striker currently plays in Sydney’s amateur ranks plying his trade for NSW State League side Hakoah Sydney City.
City take on Sydney University in round four of the Waratah Cup at Hensley Athletic Centre tomorrow night (Wed).
Owusu’s boys – who also feature Nathan Kosmina, son of Socceroo legend John - only need three more wins to progress into the Football Federation Australia (FFA) Cup, where the chance to take on one of the professional A-League sides awaits.
This A-League season the likes of Emile Heskey and Alessandro Del Piero played for Newcastle and Sydney respectively as the league has boomed.
But for Owusu, his current club is all a far cry from the glamour of pro football, Cup runs and representing Ghana, but it's a massive opportunity for these Bondi battlers and Owusu to write their own headlines in the inaugural FFA Cup competition.
And Owusu knows all about Cup runs during his long career in England.
"When I was with Brentford we got to the fifth round (just before the quarters) and on the way to that we beat Sunderland who were in the premiership," the 37-year-old told www.footballaustralia.com.au.
"We beat them 2-1 and it was such a great time for everyone at the club and in the city.
"There's a lot of young kids and good players at [Hakoah] so that's why I'm here with my experience and knowledge to help them out.
"I'm enjoying doing that as well and hopefully we can translate what we're doing into a good Cup run,” said the former striker at Wednesday, Cheltenham Town, Reading, Slough and Yeovil.
Wednesday fans are particularly fond of Owusu and he even has his own song (it’s on YouTube).
Owusu played one season with Adelaide in the 2009/'10, making 16 appearances for the club and he still keeps in touch with many of the players and officials there.
Asked about the prospect of coming up against Adelaide in the competition, Owusu said he’d be well up for that.
"That would be a dream come true.
"If we can do well and get a tie against them it would be icing on the cake. I still speak to quite a few of the boys there...Bruce Djite, Cam Watson and a few others.
"You want to have a Cup run. It's nice the FFA have brought in the new FFA Cup. It's a great concept.
"Coming from England I've been in many, many cup games and it's such a great thing to have the underdog against the big boys.
"If you can get through to the further rounds you can play against the big sides and it's a great little thing for the club.
“Hopefully we can have a good result (on Wednesday night) and see how we can progress further on."
Having played professional football for 15 years, Owusu is no stranger to the spotlight.
And with some of his current ventures, which include acting and modelling, he’s never far away from the spotlight.
"I've been doing a few fashion shows here and there," Owusu added.
"I'm in a TV series called Danger 5 [an action comedy] which will come out after the World Cup in mid-July, which is going to be on SBS TV.
"I really enjoy it and it's something different away from football I can get into.
"I'm also doing some coaching which I enjoy at helping the youngsters at the club.
“It's just about brining my experience and see where I can help with the kids and having fun as well."
Other round 4 Waratah Cup clashes this week include:
APIA Leichhardt Tigers v Manly United, Rockdale City Suns v Bonnyrigg White Eagles, Hills Pumas v Sans Souci, Marconi Stallions v Dapto Dandaloo Fury, Doonside Hawks v Macarthur Rams, Waverly Old Boys v Fraser Park, Sydney United v Spirit FC, Central Coast Mariners Academy v Sydney Olympic, Bankstown Berries v St George FC, Blacktown Spartans v Northern Tigers, Blacktown City v Bankstown City, Hurstville FC v South Coast Wolves, Sutherland Sharks v Hawkesbury City and Granville Rage v Mounties Wanderers.
